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This preview was written by Brian Judson
Views of the author do not necessarily match thosse of the webmaster!

Full Record of Spurs -v- Aston Villa

Premier       Pl   W   D   L   For-Ag  Pts
Home           8   3   2   3   11 -12  11
Away           9   0   3   6    6 -15   3
=========================================
Total (Prem)  17   3   5   9   17 -27  14
=========================================
Football Lge
Home (Div 1)  47  25   6  16   99 -77  62
Away (Div 1)  47  17  11  19   72 -75  48
==========================================
Total (Div 1) 94  42  17  35   171-152 110
==========================================
Football Lge
Home (Div 2)   2   1   1   0    4 -3    3
Away (Div 2)   2   0   1   1    1 -3    1
=========================================
Total (Div 2)  4   1   2   1    5 -6    4
=========================================
Total (Prem)  17   3   5   9   17 -27  14
Total (Div 1) 94  42  17  35   171-152 110
Total (Div 2)  4   1   2   1    5 -6    4
==========================================
Grand Total  115  46  24  45   193-185 128
==========================================

Tomorrow's match is the first of three matches in which Spurs will have re-unions with their former players. David Ginola will be returning to Tottenham for the first time since he left for Aston Villa. We all know the reasons for his departure from White Hart Lane. Personally, I think we made the right decision. Ginola has hardly set Villa Park alive this season and has been sitting on the bench even more than he did at White Hart Lane. On his day, he can be the most exciting player to watch when he is on form but all too often we have seen the other side of Ginola : the petulant, argumentative side that has sometimes cost us dearly because of his failure to chase an opponent to whom he has lost the ball. I can understand why Gerard Houllier was furious with Ginola when he made a cardinal mistake whilst playing for France.

Aston Villa's season has more or less mirrored that of Tottenham'. Villa have had the same problems in their team. A defence that regularly leaks goals and a pretty punchless strike force. Whilst Tottenham have been quietly introducing youngsters to their team, albeit because they are forced to do so, Villa have yet to introduce more youngsters, apart from Gareth Barry. The side needs rebuilding but Villa's Chairman Doug Ellis seems to be as reluctant to sanction transfers. It is true that Villa recently spent a huge amount on Angel but that is the exception to the rule.

It has been a very long time since Villa were a leading force in the top flight. They have not won the Championship since 1981-82 and have only been runners-up in 1989-90 (League) and 2000 (FA Cup). Villa's best days are, in fact, as long ago as the pre-WW1 days, when they dominated the early Football League campaigns.

Unlike most Premier League teams, Aston Villa have not rebuilt their stadium to any large extent. The silhouette of Villa Park remains as recognisable today as it did twenty years ago. Very few people would recognise Tottenham's ground after an absence of 20 years or so.

There is nothing at stake for both teams tomorrow as they are marooned in mid-table. Spurs have commenced planning for season 2001-02 whilst Villa are struggling to find a striker who can score goals. It is unlikely that we'll see a goal bonanza similar to that played on March 19th 1966 when Spurs drew 5-5 with Aston Villa. We were leading 5-1 at 3.55pm but Villa had equalised by 4.30pm and almost won the game in the dying seconds thanks to a horrible display on how NOT to defend by one Laurie Brown. I can remember Bill Nicholson shifting restlessly around in his seat in the old West Stand, fuming with fury. In those days, of course, you could only substitute players if they were injured. Only one substitute was allowed in those days.

So, what to expect tomorrow? Much will depend on the composition of both teams. Ginola will probably feature at some point of the game but I expect him to start on the bench. If Vassall or Joachim play, then whoever plays in Campbell's place had better be nippy as both are very quick players. Merson will probably provide the sort of football we drool for if he is in the mood whilst we hope to see Davies provide further evidence that he is one for the future. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 1-1 draw.

COME ON YOU SPURS!

Cheers, Brian

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